The Mountains Rise: Embers of Illeniel, Book 1

**See author's note on adult content below.** From the dark depths of the past, comes the tale of the first wizard of Illeniel. Daniel Tennick lived simply, a young shepherd with few troubles and little to occupy his mind, until the warden appeared. Daniel's power awakens, and he finds himself hunted by the servants of the cruel and uncaring forest gods. Trapped by his gift, Daniel will uncover the secrets of the deep woods and those who live there, a civilization created from the grave of an older one.

Free the Darkness: King's Dark Tidings, Book 1

Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows. With no understanding of his life's purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.

The Dragon's Egg: Dragonfall, Book 1

Seventy-five years ago, the dragons fell from the sky. We thought they were just meteorites - six terrifying explosions rang the world like a bell. When the dust settled, we went on with our lives as though nothing had happened. More than a decade later, five of the eggs hatched. The dragons that emerged were small and weak. They kept to the shadows, working in secret to persuade people to do their bidding, offering magic as payment and reward. Years passed...and still we didn't notice the evil growing in our midst.

Warrior: The War Chronicles, Book 1

Demon spawn, they call him. Evil seed of the UnNamed One. Lirak wonders if they might be right. Sent on a holy quest to test his prophetic dreams, he returns to find his people scattered or slaughtered. Ruthless invaders and their dread warlocks spread death and destruction across the land. Before he can lead the remnants of his people in vengeance, Lirak must win their trust. But blades and arrows alone will not defeat this enemy.

Dragonvein, Book One

Carentan, France, 1944 - Ethan Martin, a soldier in the 101st Airborne, is fighting for his life. But soon he will learn what peril truly is when he is ripped from his world and transported to a land of magic, swords, and dragons. And though the Nazis are now far, far away, danger is closer than ever.

Path of The Calm: Saga of The Wolf, Book 1

The young world of Onneron has known peace for years. But now unease has spread across the land as disagreements between factions threaten each other's way of life. The Brothers of the Onneron College dedicate themselves to higher learning and to mastering Paths of magic. They wish to remain independent, but the Onneron Church feels threatened by their ability to heal and vies to take control of their order. Treace, bullied and belittled, is unaware of the plan his deceased father has for him.

Nightblade

A quiet child, Moriko is forced into a monastic system she despises. Torn from her family and the forest she grew up in, she must fight to learn the skills she'll need to survive her tutelage under the realm's most dangerous assassin. Young, beautiful, and broke, Takako is sold to pay for her father's debts. Thrust into a world she doesn't understand and battles she didn't ask for, she must decide where her loyalties lie. When their lives crash together in a kingdom on the brink of war, the decisions they make will change both their lives and their kingdom forever.

Cephrael's Hand: A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 1

In Alorin...300 years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous and enigmatic man whose shocking betrayal three centuries past earned him a traitor's brand. It is the Adept Vestal Raine D'Lacourte's mission to learn what Bjorn knows in the hope of salvaging his race. But first he'll have to find him....

The Flesh of War: Warsworn, Book 1

Forged for combat, the rock trolls have no equal. They train from birth, endure brutal conditioning, and mark their skin with every kill. They have become the very flesh of war, but their history of honor has been forgotten. Now a bounty has been issued, one which calls for the extermination of their race. To survive they must awaken to what they have lost, before their enemies begin to gather. Born in the midst of a bloody conflict, Tryton bears a heart of peace. His talent will command respect, but his nature is the true weapon.

Ascension: The Trysmoon Saga, Book 1

Gen was a bard's apprentice, his nimble hands meant for the lute and his voice for a song. Then the half-mad and completely bored Shadan Khairn invaded Gen's village to winter there and start a war. He shoved a sword in Gen's hands and tormented his body, shaping a bard into a warrior to be killed for sport. As the days of torture pile up like the snow, Gen searches for death. But the day is at hand when the shattered shards of the world will knit together again, and the world's slain god will be reborn.

The Black Prism: Book One of Lightbringer

Gavin Guile is the Prism, the most powerful man in the world. He is high priest and emperor, a man whose power, wit, and charm are all that preserves a tenuous peace. But Prisms never last, and Guile knows exactly how long he has left to live: Five years to achieve five impossible goals. But when Guile discovers he has a son, born in a far kingdom after the war that put him in power, he must decide how much he's willing to pay to protect a secret that could tear his world apart.

The Waking Fire: Book One of Draconis Memoria

The new star of British fantasy returns with The Waking Fire, book one of the Draconis Memoria series, a thrilling new epic fantasy of exploration and adventure, spies and assassins, explosive magic and the battle for empire. For decades the lands of the Ironship Syndicate have been defended by the 'blood blessed' - men and women able to channel the powers contained in the potent blood of wild drakes. Elite spies and assassins, their loyalty has established the Syndicate's position as the greatest power in the known world. Yet now a crisis looms.

Nightlord: Sunset

Eric didn't ask to be a vampire. In fact he didn't even believe in them. Biting your own tongue with your fangs does a lot of convincing. Even so, being a part-time undead isn't as easy as you might think. It can let you hold down a day job, true, but sometimes the night "life" can be more than a little difficult, what with those bloodthirsty urges and predatory instincts kicking in.

Age of Myth: Book One of The Legends of the First Empire

Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart: invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between humans and those they thought were gods changes forever. Now only a few stand between humankind and annihilation: Raithe, reluctant to embrace his destiny as the God Killer. Suri, a young seer burdened by signs of impending doom. And Persephone, who must overcome personal tragedy to lead her people.

The Fate's Forsaken Omnibus: Books 1-2 and Prequel Novella

Books 1, 2, and the prequel novella of the Fate's Forsaken series. The series follows the adventures of Kael: a young man who is thrust from his home in the Unforgivable Mountains and onto a hero's path. The journey is long, the battles are fierce - nearly all of his companions are outlaws. And Kael's rotten bad luck seems to make everything worse. This is his story.

The Red Sea: The Cycle of Galand, Book 1

When Dante Galand was just a boy, his father, Larsin, sailed away to make his fortune. And never returned. Since then, Dante has become a great sorcerer. A ruler. A destroyer of kings. And he's just learned that his father is living on a forbidden island at the edge of the known world. Where he's dying of a mysterious plague. In the company of his friend, the swordsman Blays, Dante travels to the island. There, his magic can do nothing for his father.

Battlemage

"I can command storms, summon fire, and unmake stone. Animals have nothing interesting to say, and no one can see the future because it has not been written," growled Balfruss. "It's dangerous to meddle with things you don't understand." When you fight magic with magic, nothing is certain. Balfruss is a battlemage, one of a vanishing breed, sworn to fight and die for a country that fears and despises him.

Dawn of Wonder: The Wakening, Book 1

When a high-ranking officer gallops into the quiet Mistyvales, he brings a warning that shakes the countryfolk to their roots. But for Aedan, a scruffy young adventurer with veins full of fire and a head full of ideas, this officer is not what he seems. The events that follow propel Aedan on a journey that only the foolhardy or desperate would risk, leading him to the gates of the nation's royal academy - a whole world of secrets in itself. But this is only the beginning of his discoveries.

Publisher's Summary

Gram lives in the long shadow cast by his father, the latehero, Dorian Thornbear. Struggling to find his place in a world where politics and wizardry appear to have replaced the need for men of might and main, he must make his own mark. Trapped within the seemingly safe confines of Castle Cameron, Gram faces both love and tragedy. His choices will define not only himself, but serve to remind others of his family's legacy, and the reason only a fool threatens those a Thornbear protects.

What made the experience of listening to Thornbear the most enjoyable?

Having already read the book I was at first a little unsure of the narrator of the book. I found the American pronunciation of some words a little strange (myself coming from England). However the story is so rich which such colourful characters that I soon lost myself into the unfolding tale.

What did you like best about this story?

The story has a more 'earthy' approach to the characters to many other novels in this genre. This makes for a more realistic read and to a degree and easier path to identify with the characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

I'm not sure I can identify a single scene as a favourite. There are several sections that would qualify. From Gram's awakening sexuality to his first realisation of his prowess in battle. His training with Cyhan to his friendship with Grace.

Any additional comments?

Mr Michael G. Manning is fast beoming one of my favourite authors.

13 of 13 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

07/03/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Couldn't have picked a better first audible book!"

I've been reading this author's novels since 2011 with "The blacksmith's son" and I did not expect such a treat in this format and from my phone?? Honestly, I'm glad I used audible to "re-read" Thornbear , because Michael Manning's style translated to audio has kept up beautifully with his written works (not to mention keeping me from going to sleep yet again)

11 of 11 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

Texas

16/03/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Excelent read, Good Story,"

Would you consider the audio edition of Thornbear to be better than the print version?

Yes, it gives the reader/listener the opportunity to appreciate more the personalities of each of the characters in the book

Who was your favorite character and why?

Grace was my favorite character since she was more insightful than other characters in the book.

Which character – as performed by Derek Perkins – was your favorite?

Gram

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

When I first read Michael's book of the Blacksmith Son, I believed then that I was reading the first book of a great writer. As always, there were some things that as a new Author he needed to work on. I made the decision to stick to his stories and bought all his books. I just finished reading Thornbear and I can see now how the maturity of his writing is coming together.

Thornbear is a great book, easy to read and has a good story. He lets you feel through his writing the complex emotions young Gram is going through and the consequences of his decisions. Like his previous series "Mageborn", I can see the beginning of a great story. I read the book and then purchased the audio edition and so far I'm on my third listening/read.

I highly recommend you to read the book. Although the audio book is close to twelve hours, I wish the story was longer since you want to know what would happen next. I hope that the next book in the series comes soon.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

To

17/04/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Unbelievable"

Thornbear is filled with excitement from start to finish. I could not stop listening. I listen to it twice already. I am looking forward to book two. I have never laughed so much while listening to a audible book.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Renee

07/03/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"A story of true heroism"

If you could sum up Thornbear in three words, what would they be?

Epic heroic win!

What other book might you compare Thornbear to and why?

Fellowship of the Ring, or the Dragonlance novels. RA Salvatore's earlier works.

What does Derek Perkins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Perkins' narration brings interesting detail to the story, though he could have differentiated the characters' voices a bit. Many of the pronunciations and accents were completely different from the narrator of the Mageborn books, which occasionally confused me. For someone who hasn't read the Mageborn books (Don't be that person--read or listen to them!) the performance is excellent.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The end, when we find out Grace's fate, but I won't spoil that. :)

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Corey

Brookyln, NY, United States

07/05/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Amazing"

It's been a really long time since I have been pulled into a novel like I was puled into this one. It get you early on and simply will not let you go. The characters are all well written and the environments are familiar but with their own flavor. This novel it outstanding in every way do yourself a favor and pick it up.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Michael Cooner

28/05/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Starts slow, ends you wanting more."

The story starts off a bit slow and then takes a turn for the better

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

F3EN

PERU, IN, United States

21/05/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Sticking around"

Where does Thornbear rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

TOP 10. liked this story alot

Any additional comments?

Great first story. It pulls you right in. That to me is always cool. All the characters had depth. I Will definitely be checking out the next story.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Danny

20/04/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Great book!!!"

I have been listening to fantasy for years and this probably one of my favorite books by this author. I can't wait for the next one !!! Don't pass this by!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Clark

01/08/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Great series"

Great continuation of the story. Can't wait for the rest of the trilogy to come out.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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